If you already know LISP, why would you also want to learn F#?

Question

What is the added value for learning F# when you are already familiar with LISP?

Answer 1

• Static typing (with type inference)
• Algebraic data types
• Pattern matching
• Extensible pattern matching with active patterns.
• Currying (with a nice syntax)
• Monadic programming, called 'workflows', provides a nice way to do asynchronous programming.

A lot of these are relatively recent developments in the programming language world. This is something you'll see in F# that you won't in Lisp, especially Common Lisp, because the F# standard is still under development. As a result, you'll find there is a quite a bit to learn. Of course things like ADTs, pattern matching, monads and currying can be built as a library in Lisp, but it's nicer to learn how to use them in a language where they are conveniently built-in.

The biggest advantage of learning F# for real-world use is its integration with .NET.